Putin Orders Nuclear Forces Drills Amid Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the military to conduct extensive nuclear weapons drills to ensure the country's strategic forces are 'constantly ready for combat'. He emphasized the importance of modernizing Russia's nuclear triad, which includes advanced missile systems capable of overcoming missile defense, while maintaining that nuclear weapons should only be used as an 'extreme and exceptional measure.' Putin noted that Russia's nuclear capabilities serve as a 'reliable guarantor' of national security and sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions. The drills involve practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles and are part of an ongoing effort to enhance military preparedness. Despite these developments, Putin reiterated that Russia does not seek to enter a new arms race but aims to maintain its nuclear forces at a level deemed 'sufficient'. The exercises coincide with NATO's own nuclear drills, which Russia claims exacerbate tensions with the West.